‘People are recognising that there is an alternative’ believes Deputy Martin Kenny

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

It was hailed as a gamechanger by Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald when she announced that her party would be throwing their weight behind the Catherine Connolly campaign and Deputy Martin Kenny was quick to pay tribute to the Galway native as it became clear she would romp to victory, long before all the votes were counted.

"When asked if Catherine Connolly’s victory represents a victory for the left, Deputy Kenny replied, “It certainly is and it is a sort of wind changing, things are turning and people are recognising that there is an alternative to the old politics of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail and Catherine very much represented that and brought people together in that respect.

"I think for the future if we can try to work an alliance between all of the political parties on the left, progressive parties that want to see a different Ireland, I think we can do that, and this is an example of that. It has shown that we can have electoral success, and we have seen that today with Catherine.”

Commenting on Sinn Féin’s decision not to run a candidate of their own but instead throw their weight behind the Connolly campaign, Deputy Kenny felt it was a decision that was vindicated.

“We were keeping our powder dry for a while but it was more than likely at all stages that was what we were going to do. We’re delighted that it has worked out so well. Catherine will make an excellent President for Ireland and we look forward to having her in the Áras.”

The feedback and enthusiasm on the canvas gave cause for optimism for all associated with the Catherine Connolly campaign with Deputy Kenny saying, “We knew it was going very well on the doorstep when we were out canvassing whether it was Sligo, Leitrim or any part of the constituency. People were saying they were voting for her anyway, that was the impression we were getting.

"We were also aware it was competitive and elections are always competitive. We’re delighted she has got such a good vote, she is clearly going to be over 50%, it is going to be a very clear and decisive victory.”